Eagles Release Jason Avant

The Eagles have released wide receiver Jason Avant Tuesday, one week ahead of free agency. 

Jason Avant's tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles has reportedly come to an end with the team releasing the veteran receiver Tuesday. 

After the team re-signed receivers Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper last week, Avant's days in Philadelphia appeared numbered, especially with the combination of the team investing upwards of $23 million at the position and a strong wideout draft class available this May. 

Pro Football Talk was first to report Avant's release, via Twitter. 

Avant was scheduled to count $3.96 million against the cap in 2014 and has a roster bonus of $1 million due on March 15.

In 2013, Avant had 38 catches for 447 yards and two touchdowns. He has emerged in recent years as a slot receiver who also built a reptuation as a tremendous downfield blocker in the run game. 

Perhaps Avant's greatest asset is his veteran clout within the locker room where he stepped into a team spokesman of sorts role the last few years as one of the strongest voices on the team.

The Chicago, IL, native was drafted in the 4th round in 2006 from the University of Michigan. In 2010, Avant was chosen by his teammates as the Ed Block Courage Award recipient in recognition of the adversity he overcame in his youth.

That leadership quality will make him an attractive option in free agency when the market opens for business next Tuesday. 

“There have not been any players who have represented the Philadelphia Eagles with more class and dignity than Jason Avant,” said Eagles Chairman Jeffrey Lurie in a statement released by the team. “Whether it was in the locker room, on the playing field or in the community, he has always been a true professional, a role model and a winner every step of the way. On behalf of the entire organization, I wish Jason and his wife Stacy, and their two daughters, nothing but the best as he continues his fine career.”

It is obvious that General Manager Howie Roseman and the Eagles front office is spending this week tying up loose ends by taking care of their own soon to be free-agents and clearing cap space to be prepared for the next phase of the NFL offseason.